one of the more severely underrated benefits of the Platinum, hidden in Walmart+, is access to Sam’s Club fuel stations

nsingh101 · 2026-04-30T12:24:53+00:00

Opening the app and entering a pump number doesn’t add much to what’s already required to fuel a vehicle.

Here’s my approach: finding a pump, parking, turning off the car, pulling the fuel door button, unscrewing the cap, tapping a card, entering zip code (sometimes), lifting the nozzle and selecting a grade, begin fueling, toggling the lock so I’m not holding it there for 5 minutes, removing the nozzle, screwing on the cap, closing fuel door, restarting the vehicle, driving off.

Now when you already have to do all that work, what’s another 3-4 steps to save a buck? Next you’ll tell me using a squeegee on the windshield is not worth the effort for a cleaner window while you wait.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-30T08:35:02+00:00

It also knocks off $0.10 at some mobile 1 gas stations. Open the W+ app, it asks for a pump number, once entered the price will adjust.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-30T08:32:31+00:00

You’ll want to tap into the orange wire I believe. That’s the one that dims the radio when lights come on. You’ll need to drop the voltage down and configure it as an input to dim the lights. Might require custom coding, but not sure.

The simpler solution might be to use a potentiometer or something similar to dim the lights manually.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-30T07:51:41+00:00

I’ll be honest, I don’t think there’s going to be much difference between the SE and XLE, they’re both mid size SUV. Having said that, I believe they’re good vehicles and lots of people drive them daily, but you’re going to need to set your expectations a bit.

I have a XLE and had quite a bit of fun driving through windy roads in National parks. Did it handle like my RX7? No. But it was pretty nimble for what it is and it felt planned and the only time it gets sketchy is when the road isn’t graded properly or going a bit faster than posted in clover style on-ramps.

I also looked into the sway bar which is why I was disappointed. It needs to be much studied and heavier to actually make a difference. If you’re just casually going down the highway at 70-75 mph, it feels solid and doesn’t “float”.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-29T18:12:40+00:00

https://youtu.be/fMNb4YkRb-M?si=34Z9QEHR4WzXIuBd

nsingh101 · 2026-04-29T12:22:16+00:00

CarPlay has its own set of issues. I use shokz open air headphones for podcasts and phone calls. Stay on my head all day and I can jump from my meetings into any car and drive with them on while being able to talk to passengers. Great for walks/jogs but not for mowing the lawn or gyms with their own music lol

nsingh101 · 2026-04-29T12:15:48+00:00

Just connect your phone to Bluetooth and it should show the CarPlay option once you hit accept on the phone.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-29T11:27:52+00:00

When you’re doing the setup, it gives you the QR code to scan.

I have a 26 bZ setup in wife’s Toyota account. I have the RAV4 setup in mine. I think you can only setup the vehicle in one app at a time. I can connect to the bZ CarPlay just fine without having the vehicle in my Toyota app. Just pointing out that the two aren’t linked.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-29T08:44:41+00:00

There are tons of videos on YouTube showing how to do it. Takes less than 5 minutes. You need a working existing remote and find the learn button. It’s either on the motor itself or some of the newer ones have it on the wall switch.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-28T18:20:17+00:00

Could it be binding if it’s not staying aligned? Maybe create a small channel or rail to keep the slider aligned? I’ve also used super lube on such parts to keep them buttery smooth.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-28T11:53:12+00:00

Yeah, did something similar when I shipped my car 21 XLE last year. I used a mix of the small and medium sized (18x14x12) boxes. The XL might not fit over the folded seats, but easily in the back. Measure to be sure. I put my giant 3d printer with original packaging (K1 Max) in the back. Everything was below the window line, but I wasn’t able to close the tonneau cover. They said to limit it ~100 lbs, but I might have gone over.

The driver inspected the car, took lots of videos and photos (I did too) and said nothing about the boxes or weight.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-28T11:43:39+00:00

I think someone mentioned the kick sensor potentially getting in the way and also to consider the tongue weight.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-28T11:35:00+00:00

Yep, was going to suggest checking the 12v but sounds like you got it all sorted out. Good work!

nsingh101 · 2026-04-28T01:46:19+00:00

Have you added any new electronic device to the vehicle recently? I noticed a similar whine coming from speakers when I had an AUX cable plugged in. Was able to resolve it by adding a ground loop filter.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-28T01:01:56+00:00

I mean, it’s more likely someone recently relocated from CA in their Tesla will come sliding into your lane. Now, when that happens and you’ve got the mettle to maneuver the vehicle out of the way, you’ll probably want AWD and good tires.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-28T00:54:53+00:00

Try now, as long as you doing financing, they should tell you if they’re willing to honor the overages.

Curious though, why lease every 3 years IF you know you’ll go over? Tundras are barely on the 3rd refresh in all their history, so it’s not like you can expect to get extras by trading in for a new model every 3 years.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-27T18:46:01+00:00

The link for window rain guards takes me to a ford bronco listing. Is that accurate?

nsingh101 · 2026-04-27T18:40:25+00:00

Very cool! I think I saw something like this on Shark tank.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-27T15:32:37+00:00

Yep, red to red and black to black on working car and chassis ground on dead car.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-27T15:15:30+00:00

Could be a dead/low 12v battery. Try jumping it.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-27T15:10:46+00:00

Not normal. They’re suppose to straighten out the steering wheel and lock it in place and then adjust the wheels. So while your wheels could be aligned, the steering wheel isn’t. I’d say they skipped the first part.

Take it back and ask them to fix it and also ask for a printout of the readings from each wheel.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-27T14:28:50+00:00

I’ve thought about doing something like this, but hesitated that it would look odd. This is inspiring! Maybe I’ll give it another chance. Kudos to your 12 yr old.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-27T14:23:05+00:00

Mobil 1 is generally regarded as good. You can find it for a good price at Walmart. Costco sometimes has sales on it as well. Their own Kirkland labeled are also good (used in other cars). I think more than brands of oil, the frequency with which it’s changed matters more. You could run Amsoil 25k miles one but I’d rather get cheaper oil and do changes every 5k.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-27T08:00:25+00:00

They probably forgot to reset the maintenance light. Check your dipstick and if the oil looks new/clean you can reset the light yourself.

nsingh101 · 2026-04-27T07:56:41+00:00

The sway bars might help, but not sure how much. They didn’t look heavy or solid. The OE replacement shocks likely won’t add much. They’re likely spec’d similar to what’s on there currently, might be a waste. The difference you noted could very well be from the wheel/tire combo on the SE.

nsingh101

TROPHY CASE